FREE FLIGHT MODEL
AIRPLANE BASIC RESOURCE
LIST
Vendors, Terminology, Web Sites, and
Other Necessities
Updated March 2012
The following is a basic list of some of free flight hard-to-
find resources (there are many more), and is aimed primarily
at newcomers and “returnees” to the hobby of free flight.
Many of these vendors offer model kits suitable for
inexperienced first-timers. Please feel free to copy and
distribute this list, and understand that merchandise
availability, prices, e-mail addresses, and web site URL’s
are subject to change without notice. If a web site address
doesn’t work, use Google or Yahoo.
Bob Clemens, Western New York Free Flight Society
rclemens2@rochester.rr.com 585-392-3346
_________________________________________________
A2Z Corporation
3955 S. Mariposa Street
Englewood, CO 80110 877-754-7465
www.a2zcorp.us/store
Whether you fly indoors or out, the Peck-Polymers and
Indoor Model Supply divisions of A2Z Corp. have loads of
kits, plans, supplies, select balsa wood, and tools of all kinds
for both beginners and experienced modelers. Many of their
kits now feature laser-cut parts. Check their well illustrated
web site. They take phone orders and accept Visa, Amex,
MasterCard, & PayPal. Tim Goldstein is the proprietor.
There are many excellent beginner-friendly kits in their
inventory. Pictures of all are on the web site.
Campbell's Custom Kits
P.O. Box 3104
Muncie, IN 47307 (765) 289-7753
thermalpiglet@comcast.net
http://campbellscustomkits.com/
Lee Campbell, a veteran free flight competitor, is the
proprietor and kit maker. His inventory includes lots of
gliders (see glossary): at least 14 hand-launched models,
three catapult types, and several towline designs. All this
plus rubber-powered duration models, power models, and
scale kits keep Lee busy cutting the top-quality balsa wood
he puts in his kits. He also sells kits and accessories from
other manufacturers.
Diels Engineering, Inc
P.O. Box 263
Amherst, Ohio 44001 E-Mail: ddiels@mrdoc.cc Web
site: http://dielsengineeringinc.com/
Dave Diels offers lots of excellent stick-and-tissue kits, most
of which are of pre-WWII and WWII military aircraft with
vacuum-formed canopies where called for and great decals
for insignia and markings. Some are now laser cut. Lots of
plans, too, if you like to pick your own wood and tissue for
scratch building. Check his well-illustrated web site. Not
recommended for beginners.
Easy Built Models
P.O. Box 681744
Prattville, AL 36068-1744
daveann@easybuiltmodels.com
www.easybuiltmodels.com
Easy Built models offers a staggering number of its own kits,
plus balsa, tissue, a unique magnetic building board, rubber
winders, propellers, and other supplies. Many of the kits are
laser cut. Proprietor Dave Niedzielski is an experienced free
flight modeler and supporter of the Flying Aces Club (see
glossary). His web site is a must visit.
F.A.I. Model Supply
P.O. Box 366
Sayre, PA 18840-0366 (570) 882-9873
faimodelsupply@cqservices.com
www.faimodelsupply.com/
FAI sells more than 100 free flight kits, and the list keeps
growing and includes three excellent ready-to-fly indoor
rubber models plus kits and materials for the Wright Stuff
Science Olympiad event. FAI carries a great selection FF
supplies and accessories, including Tan Super Sport rubber
strip that is the performance standard of the hobby. John Clapp
is the proprietor. His catalog is $4.00, a must for both
beginners and experts.
Flying Aces Club
9154 Eldorado Trail www.flyinggacesclub.com
Strongsville, OH 44136 newsletter@flyingaces.com
The Flying Aces Club is an informal, nationwide group of
model airplane hobbyists who love to build and fly stick-and-
tissue model aircraft of all types, especially rubber-powered
scale models. Membership includes a subscription to their
newsletter, the FAC News. Each issue comes with several
full-size model plans, modeling news and tips, model
photographs, contest results and announcements and club
news. Their national contests are held in Geneseo, New
York, each July and are premier free flight scale meets with
well over 100 fliers competing. Annual membership fee is
$20.00. If you enjoy free flight scale, the FAC is for you.
Golden Age Reproductions
P.O. Box 1685
Andover, MA 01810 (978) 687-0024 E-mail:
garepro@aol.com www.goldenagereproductions.com/
Looking for model plans? GAR has hundreds of Comet,
Peerless, Megow, Scientific, Ace Whitman, and other
reprinted plans from 1930's and 40's rubber-powered scale
kits that those of us over 60 fondly remember. They also
have over two dozen excellent rubber scale kits, most
updated versions of those same oldtime models, some of
later design including the Curtiss Robin, P-51 Mustang, P-47
Thunderbolt, and Messerschmitt BF-109E of WWII fame.
Their catalog is $3.00, a must for rubber scale fans.
Proprietor of GAR is Jim Fiorello.
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Laser-Cut Planes
Colorado Springs, CO
www.lasercutplanes.com johnmcgrath2@comcast.net
This is a new site for 2012, and a fine beginner/returnee
oriented one. It features six great designs, easy to build models
designed for outstanding flight and ease and simplicity of
construction. There are good photos of all models offered,
including the 19 ½” span“Meadowlark,” seen flying in a video
at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCug6Cs_5hU Some
kits, such as the beginner-designed Mountain Lion, are
offered in bulk, great for school, Scout, or other group
projects. Highly recommended!
A.A. Lidberg Model Plan Service
1030 E. Baseline Road, Suite 105-1074
Tempe, AZ 85283
(480) 839-8154 aal[email protected]
www.aalmps.com/
Al Lidberg offers a most interesting and extensive selection
of plans and kits. He has profile ("no-cal") scale plans,
peanut scale plans, 16 larger size rubber scale plans, plus a
growing number and variety of kits. Al is a master draftsman
and his plans and kits are excellent. Check his offerings at
his well-illustrated web site.
Midwest Products Co., Inc.
Educational Products Division
400 S. Indiana Street
P.O. Box 564
Hobart, IN 46342 1-800-348-3497
www.midwestproducts.com/
Midwest offers a number of model kits through its
Educational Products Division. Ideal for beginners, they are
available both as single kits or multi-model “class kits” for
school or other group programs. Included are some gliders
and four rubber-powered models plus teaching texts, wood,
tools, and adhesives. The rubber models include a Delta
Dart (similar to the AMA Cub); a larger Super Delta Dart; a
12” Shoebox R.O.G. (“Rise Off Ground”); and the Right
Flyer, a robust 19” R.O.G. Both of these are capable of
flights of well over one minute in a 20 ft. high gym. Pictures
of all their models can be seen on their web site.
Penn Valley Hobby Center
837 W. Main Street
Lansdale, PA 19446 (215) 855-1286 (215) 368-0770
Web Site: www.pennvalleyhobbycenter.com/
Penn Valley offers free flight kits from many of the U.S.
vendors shown elsewhere on this list, and at discount prices.
They also have their own unique line of rubber scale kits,
authentic reproductions of those pre-WWII kits so fondly
remembered by most over-60 modelers (like me). Many of
these are replicas of the 10¢, or "dime scale" models of that
era that typically had wingspans of 16-20 inches. Some are
larger, some are non-scale types. PV carries lots of other
items, such as rubber strip, wheels, tissue, and more.
Catalog is $2.00.
Tailspin Aviation
301 East 11
th
Street
St. Elmo, IL 62458 tailspin@tailspinaviation.com
http://www.tailspinaviation.com/index.html
Tailspin has lots of kits and supplies, It’s a good shopping
location for beginners and experienced fliers.
Just getting started? Here are some
suggestions:
It’s a good idea to start with one of the many relatively
simple, easy-to-build models available in kit form. They can
be flown indoors in a school gym or auditorium or outdoors
when the air is calm. They fly well despite their
unsophisticated designs. Don’t bite off more than you can
chew!
- The Squirrel (see web site listing for information).
- The AMA Cub, a very simple to build and robust model
that flies well. Some hobby shops carry this kit. You can see
a picture of the Cub and order kits on the AMA web site,
www.modelaircraft.org, either singly or in bulk packages of
12 and 40 kits for group projects. The Delta Dart, sold by
Midwest Products (see page 6), is a clone of the AMA Cub.
AMA stands for Academy of Model Aeronautics, the
national governing body of model aviation in the United
States. Visit www.luminet.net/~bkuhl/rubber.htm where
you’ll find lots of excellent basic Cub information. I highly
recommend this site!
- Butterfly, Mayfly, and Bulldog ready-to fly indoor models
from FAI Model Supply. They're ready to go, right out of
their boxes! The Minnow ROG is another good beginner kit
from FAI, and can be flown indoors or out.
- Right Flyer, a sturdy and great-flying model from Midwest
Products (See page 6 for photo).
- Prairie Bird and Bostonian Pup non-scale endurance
models, Nesmith Cougar and Lacey M-10 peanut scale
models. All four are from Peck-Polymers and are basic
stick-and-tissue models with boxy built-up fuselages and
wheels with simple structures. They are excellent fliers,
suggested as second or third projects, and will hone building
skills needed for more sophisticated subjects, such as scale
models. NOTE: Peck Polymers changed ownership in early
2007, but their excellent kits and modeling accessories are
still available. This includes their easy-to-build Peck ROG,
another good beginner kit.
- 10:1 and 15:1 K&P rubber winders (see photo on bottom of
page 6) from FAI, Midwest Products, and others.
A brief glossary of Modeling terms
Adhesives: These are vital products used to hold model parts
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together. Commonly used model adhesives include aliphatic
resin wood glues such as Titebond: traditional model
airplane cement in tubes such as Testors, Duco, or Ambroid;
various epoxies, and “instant” glues such as Zap. The
aliphatics are strong, safe, and easy to clean up with water,
and allow ample time for adjustment. Instant glues are just
that, and are especially useful for quick field repairs. Not
recommended for inexperience builders. Other kinds of
adhesives are used to attach tissue to a model’s framework.
Commonly used for this are clear dope (see below) and glue
sticks. Dope is a liquid applied with a brush. Glue sticks
work well and have little if any odor or fumes. They are
available wherever office supplies are sold. Be careful not to
crush delicate framework when using a glue stick.
Dope: A lacquer-like liquid that is available in clear and
colored versions. Clear dope can be applied to a model’s
framework to attach tissue covering and can also be used to
seal tissue after it has been applied. Colored dope is used
over tissue for decoration and realism, especially on scale
models. Dope is available by mail order or from hobby
shops that carry model airplane supplies.
Electric Model: A model powered by one of the every-
growing number of tiny electric motors now available.
Power is supplied by small rechargeable batteries carried in
the model. These motors can power free flight models
ranging from 12 inches to several feet in wingspan. There
are some good almost-ready-to-fly (“ARF”) models that use
electric motors. You can find these at toy stores as well as
various Internet retailers.
Endurance model: A power, rubber, or glider competition
model that is designed and built solely to stay aloft for as
long as called for under the competition rules for its
particular event. There are many competition categories for
indoor and outdoor endurance models. These models may or
may not have a realistic appearance, and are a good starting
projects for beginners rather than more difficult to build and
fly scale models. See page 6 for a photo.
Free flight model: A model that flies "free" of any outside
control while airborne. It uses settings of balance, flying
surfaces, and propeller thrust angle put into the model prior
to launch for in-flight guidance and stability.
Glider: A model plane that flies without a motor. Free flight
gliders come in three types: Models that are launched by
throwing them into the air, models that are launched using a
rubber band catapult, and models that are towed aloft on a
long line like a kite, then set free at the peak of the tow.
Hand launched and catapult launched gliders are generally
small models with wingspans of 12 to 20 inches and are
typically made from solid sheets of lightweight balsa wood.
More recently larger hand launched gliders have appeared in
competition that use a discus-style launch by means of a
reinforced grip on one wingtip. Towline gliders use stick and
tissue style construction and generally range in wingspan
from four to six feet.
Indoor model: A model built specifically for flying in an
indoor site, such as a school gym, fieldhouse, aircraft
hangar, or other draft-free interior location with suitable
floor space and ceiling height. Gliders, rubber-powered, and
electric-powered models are flown indoors. They are
comparatively lighter and more fragile than those intended to
be flown outdoors. Some of the more robust indoor models,
such as the Right Flyer, can be flown outdoors under calm
air conditions.
Laser Cut: A term referring to the relatively new technique
of precisely pre-cutting model parts, such as wing ribs and
fuselage formers, from balsa sheets using a very thin, precise
laser beam. This eliminates the traditional and time-
consuming task of manually cutting out parts printed on balsa
sheets using a hobby knife or razor blade.
No-cal scale: A class of comparatively simple, easily-built
semi-scale rubber models having a two-dimensional profile
fuselage in place of the traditional built-up, three
dimensional hollow fuselage. Typically they are of stick-and-
tissue construction are covered on only one side of their
framework. They can be flown indoors or out. “No-cal” is
short for “no calories,” a reference to the lean, minimal
structure of these models.
Outdoor model: A model built for outdoor flying, using
relatively robust design and construction compared to indoor
models. Various types of gliders, rubber-powered, and
engine-powered models are flown outdoors, often using
thermals (rising warm air currents) to achieve long flight
duration. See page 6.
Power model: A model plane using an internal combustion
engine, electric, or CO2 (compressed gas) motor as its
power source.
Peanut Scale: A popular class of small rubber-powered scale
models with a maximum wingspan limit of 13 inches. There
are many kits and plans available for peanut scale models.
They can be flown both indoors and out. Not recommended
for beginners.
ROG: Initials for the term “rise off ground.” While
generally applied to small, comparatively simple rubber-
powered models equipped with landing gear that permits
them to take off under their own power, it also describes a
takeoff capability or competition requirement for any free
flight model so equipped. Some of the vendors listed sell kits
for ROG models.
Rubber lubricant: A slippery substance, usually a liquid,
applied to a rubber motor to reduce friction between the
strands when they are being tightly wound for flight. Use of
a proper lubricant is vital! It enables many more turns to be
wound into a rubber motor than would be possible without it.
While dedicated rubber lubricants are sold by some of the
listed vendors, automotive protectants such as Armor All,
Formula 2001, and Son of a Gun make very good rubber
lubricants too and are readily available in retail stores.
Rubber motor: The loop, or multiple loops, of rubber strip
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that provide power for rubber-powered model aircraft. Tan
Super Sport rubber strip (see below) is formulated especially
for powering model planes and is sold by a number of the
above vendors, most notably F.A.I. Model Supply. When
used with a mechanical winder (see winder, below) and a
proper lubricant, rubber motors can be wound up to several
thousand turns to give long flights of several minutes
duration with a properly prepared free flight model.
Scale model: A model plane designed, built, and decorated
to closely resemble a particular full-size, man-carrying
aircraft. In competition, scale models are scored on their
depiction of the subject aircraft, overall craftsmanship, and
flight duration.
Stick-and-tissue: Model airplane jargon referring to the
traditional method of free flight model construction which
uses balsa wood sticks and pieces for the model’s framework
and tissue paper to cover it. This tissue is most often a fine,
lightweight grade imported from Japan called Esaki. Many of
the vendors on the above list sell Esaki tissue.
Stooge: Free flight slang for a fixture designed to securely
hold a rubber-powered model in place while it is being
wound for flight (see page 6). This omits the need for
another person to hold the model during winding. Once
wound, the rubber motor is hooked to the model, which is
then removed from the stooge and is ready for flight. Some
vendors, such as F.A.I. Model Supply, sell stooges. Some
web sites have pictures of various styles of stooges.
Super Sport Rubber Strip: The brand name of rubber strip
specifically formulated for powering model airplanes. It’s
sold in long continuous strips of various widths, usually
1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 3/16, and ¼ inch. Its thickness is
approximately .045 inch. Rubber-powered models fly using
one or more loops made from one of these widths. F.A.I.
Model Supply (see vendor list, above) of Sayre, Pennsylvania
markets Tan Super Sport to both modelers and vendors and
works directly with the U.S. manufacturer to constantly
monitor and maintain its quality. Some vendors strip it into
an even wider range of thinner widths required for flying
various classes of ultralight indoor models. Most serious
modelers have their own rubber strippers, but these very
useful tools are expensive. See Thayer Syme’s web site (see
below) for pictures of various models of rubber strippers.
Tools: Basic tools for model airplane building include a flat
work surface such as a sheet of smooth ceiling tile or
homosote, a supply of single-edge razor blades, a hobby
knife such as the Xacto, needle nose pliers for bending wire,
sandpaper and sanding blocks, straight pins for holding parts
in place during assembly on the plan (ceiling tile and
homosote make this easy), waxed paper or plastic wrap to
place over the plan to keep adhesives from sticking to it, a
metal straight edge/ruler, adhesives of choice for sticking
parts together, and glue sticks or dope for attaching covering
if required.
Winder: A hand-held mechanical device used to
conveniently and quickly wind the motors of rubber-powered
free flight models. A proper winder is a must-have piece of
equipment for successful rubber model flying! Winders have
a hand crank which turns a simple gear train connected to a
hooked output shaft. The hook holds one end of the rubber
motor; the other end remains attached to either the rear
rubber hook or propeller shaft of the firmly held or anchored
model (see stooge, above). The lubricated motor is then
stretched to three or four times its slack length and winding
is begun. With each single turn of the hand crank, the output
shaft turns anywhere from 5 to 20 times, depending on the
particular gear ratio of the winder. The person slowly
shortens the length of the stretch as he winds, starting to
come in at about 50% of desired turns and finishing with the
motor at its flying length. The motor is then carefully
transferred to the model. This classic technique allows many
more turns to be put into a rubber motor than would be
possible using manual winding of the propeller. Stretch
winding permits 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 or even more turns to
be quickly put into a rubber motor for longer flights. K&P
winders with their distinctive yellow bodies are an excellent
choice. See page 6 for a pictures of a model being wound
and a closeup of a typical winder.
Web Sites
There are many excellent web sites devoted to free flight
modeling. The following are just a few. Many of them have
links to still other sites. Google “free flight model airplanes
and see what happens! Also check You Tube for loads of free
flight videos!
Academy of Model Aeronautics:
http://modelaircraft.org / The AMA is the official
governing body of all phases of model aviation in the United
States. AMA Cub kits (see suggested models list on page 2)
in bulk can be ordered on this site.
DC Maxecuters club site:
www.his.com/~tschmitt/index.html The D.C.
Maxecuters are one of the best known free flight clubs in the
country, particularly where Flying Aces competition is
concerned. Lots of great scale information, photos, and
links.
Bill Kuhl’s AMA Cub web site:
www.luminet.net/~bkuhl/rubber.htm This site is a must
for anyone just starting out who’s interested in easy-to-build
models. Lots of good information, pictures, and many video
clips showing these fun aircraft in action. Bill’s site is
particularly aimed at youngsters who want to get a model into
the air. Highly recommended!
Darcy Whyte’s informational site: www.endlesslift.com/
The best site for beginners, educators, Scout leaders, and
anyone interested in learning what basic free flight model
aviation is all about, how to get started, building and flying
the Squirrel, an easily constructed and great flying rubber
band-powered model. The site has lots of contributions from
others as well. This site is a must for anyone wanting to
learn the basics of model plane building, flying, and
teaching.
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The National Free Flight Society
http://freeflight.org/ This is the home of the National Free
Flight Society, an organization dedicated to promoting and
encouraging the hobby of free flight model aviation. Lots of
good indormation and sosurces here. Why not join? Their
newsletter is superb, with lots of photographs.
The book, “Rubber Band Powered Flying Machines”
This unique book has everything you need to fly, indoors or
out. The three rubber band powered airplanes included have
been carefully engineered, from the extra-large Firebird (an
impressive 19-inch wingspan), to the acrobatic Lightning
Looper (it really loops), to the Shooting Star (which makes
such tight turns you can fly it in the living room). Simple
directions explain how to assemble the planes from the
provided parts and, just as importantly, how to fly them for
maximum performance. For ages 8 and up. Also available at
Amazon.com and some book stores.
Thayer Syme's free flight web site:
www.gryffinaero.com/models/ Thayer’s very active site is
full of ever-growing amounts of information, tips, plans, and
model photos. His pictures and explanations of tools and
fixtures are very informative. Science Olympiad information
is included too. It’s a great place to start surfing. This site is
highly recommended!
Rubber Powered Model Airplanes by Don Ross covers the
basics very well. Your local library may have it, or it can be
purchased from Don himself for $14.95 post paid: Don
Ross, 817 Ames Hill Drive, Tewksbury, MA 01876. E-mail:
flywords@comcast.net
NOTE: There is a ton of free flight videos on You Tube
showing both indoor and outdoor models in action.
Google away and enjoy the flyng!
New to all this? Try a Squirrel, AMA Cub,
Mountain Lion (Laser –Cut Planes) or the Right
Flyer (pictured, right).
We’ve all heard of the flying squirrel, an airborne gliding
version of the more common bushy-tailed rodent. Well, here’s
a flying model named the Squirrel, arguably the easiest-to-
build and best flying of any beginner rubber-powered model.
It can be easily built from scratch using free instructions or
from a purchased kit. The man to contact is the Squirrel’s
designer and enthusiastic promoter, Canadian Darcy Whyte.
Check out his web site for more information, instructions, kit
purchases, and some great action videos showing the Squirrel
in flight. It’s great for classroom projects and can be flown
indoor or out. Contact Darcy at darcy@siteware.com His
web site is located at http://www.rubber-power.com/ See
page 6 for a picture of a Squirrel.
The AMA Cub is a simple, very easy to build rubber-powered
model. The balsa wood sticks that comprise its wing and tail
framework are glued directly to the paper plan, which when
trimmed becomes the covering. Tens of thousands of Cubs
have been built since it was first kitted back in the early
1970’s. It’s robust and can be flown indoors or out, the latter
when the air is calm. You can see a picture of the Cub and
order kits on the AMA web site, www.modelaircraft.org,
either singly or in bulk packages of 12 and 40 kits for group
projects. The Delta Dart sold by Midwest Products is a clone
of the AMA Cub. See their web site. Visit
www.luminet.net/~bkuhl/rubber.htm where you’ll find lots of
excellent basic Cub information. I highly recommend this site!
A newcomer to this list is Laser-Cut Planes, offering six kits.
Some for beginners, some for people with a bit of
aeromodeling experience. All are solid designs featuring laser-
cut parts.. This enables quick and accurate assembly. Some,
such as the beginner-recommended Mountain Lion, can be
purchased in bulk for school, Scout, or other group projects.
The Right Flyer model from Midwest Products (see vendor
list) is a good trainer for newcomers to free flight modeling
and makes a great school science or aeronautic project.
Somewhat more complex to build than the Squirrel or Cub,
it’s a fine flier and can fly for a minute and a half or more
under a 20 ft. ceiling. Its sturdy construction, using a tough
paper covering material, can withstand a beginner's rough
handling as well as the inevitable collisions with walls, chairs,
and other obstacles usually found at indoor flying sites. It has
wheels and takes off the floor or pavement easily. It can be
flown outdoors too, providing the air is calm. Midwest sells
kits of the Right Flyer in “class packs” of eight and 24 models
as well as single kits. Some hobby shops may carry these kits,
or can order them. The Flyer kit is complete with very good
instructions. Here’s a photo of the Flyer. The single-loop
rubber motors is suspended beneath the balsa motor stick.
A 24” rubber-powered scale model of a French lightplane.
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Above: An outdoor endurance model
Launch. The model has a wingspan of 36
Inches and uses multiple loops of rubber
Strip for power. Below: This is the Squirrel,
a beginner’s model that’s easy and quick
to build and is a fine flier. See page 5 for more
information on the Squirrel.
Here’s a typical rubber motor winder. This one has a
gear ratio of 10:1. One turn of the handle gives ten
turns of the winding hook, speeding the winding
process and enabling stretch winding of long motors.
An indoor endurance model is seen just after
being launched. This one uses a molded plastic
propeller and a solid balsa stick for a fuselage.
This is the Delta Dart, a.k.a. the AMA Cub.
It’s an easy-to-build beginner model. See
vendor list for more information. The balsa
wood framework is glued direct to the
plan which become the model’s covering
after trimming around the outlines.
This photo, taken during a typical indoor flying
session, shows how the rubber motor of a small scale
model is stretched to permit the maximum number of
desired turns to be added. The model is anchored
securely in a winding “stooge” (see glossary) mounted
on the flier’s field box. He’ll slowly start coming in on
the model as he completes the second half of the
desired turns, finishing with the front end of the motor
just in front of the model’s nose. He’ll then hook the
propeller to the motor, detach the model from the
stooge, and be ready to fly. Proper winding technique
is important for optimum flight performance and
duration.
